Raigad Fort

In our three day trip to Konkan, last day was planned to visit Mahabaleshwar. But our travel plan changed at the last minute, as locals suggested us to spend more time in Mahabaleshwar to enjoy its beauty. The only choice left was to visit a place that falls on the way back to Pune, and the winner was Raigad Fort.

We started from Shrivardhan in the early morning on January 29th and reached Paachad village (at the base of Raigad fort), the place of Shivaji's mother Jijabai. Had garam garam Poha for breakfast and then headed to Raigad Fort. Took Ropeway to reach the fort. Initially, we were bit scared with the steep ropeway. But the breathtaking view of the mountains from the cable car changed our mood into a thrilling experience. Within few minutes, we reached the backside of the fort. And it's really hard to believe that there is a Fort above the mountains. Hats off to the Maharaja's planning, architect's design and construction.

After reaching the Fort's backside entrance base, we spotted this description of the Fort.

While we were busy reading, three to four Guides surrounded us with a promise of lifetime experience of the Fort's story. True to their promise, really enjoyed their view of the Fort...Mena/Paalkhi Darwaja description, Maharaj's foresight to surprise guests with big elephants at the main entrance, Maharaj's Forts, eight wives and Hirkani's story etc....You better watch yourself in the following video clip....

We entered Raigad Fort through Mena/Paalkhi Darwaja. This leads to the Queens chambers on the left side, each Queen had separate chamber with servant's room at the rear-end. The only thing remained to see are the four walls of each chamber, as the wood roofs disappeared over time.

Opposite to Mena entrance is the main entrance with around 1400 steps. On the other side of queens’ chambers is the residences of eight ministers of Shivaji, also called Astha-pradhan.

The midway leads to Shivaji Maharaj’s own palace with bathtub, drinking water storage and a view to outside world.

 



On one side of the Palace towards the main entrance, there are Queens' balconies, currency room, Jit Darwaja, Ganga sagar lake and Punishment point.

Palace is followed by huge darbar facing the Nagarkhana Darwaja. The newly installed Maharaj’s statue on the throne ‘Meghdambari’ is worth seeing. The unique thing about design of this court was anything spoken from any corner of the court is clearly heard at throne.

Outside the court, there is an open ground called ‘Holi cha maal’ which was place for Holi festival. Another statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj is erected in front of this place, the place where Maharaj used to sit and enjoy the festivities. Our Guide pointed out major flaw in the statue... the great Maharaj sitting with no chatri above his head...really admire the respect he has towards Maharaj. Small points...but worth noticeable. And as per his knowledge, Maharaj never sits with his shoes on the throne..another flaw of the statue noted down.

In front of Holi cha maal, there are ruins of huge market place. The shops were designed with house at the rear-end and shops in the front. All the shops were designed at an elevated level such that one can shop even while riding or sitting on a horse. All the descriptions made me watch a movie on the fly...felt the presence of the King and his kingdom...a place worth watching.

Far from the main Fort is Jagadishwar Temple which looks like Mughals constuction to deceit the enemies.

There are Nandi, Hanuman idols and Shiv linga inside the temple.

Loyal architect's name is engraved on the footsteps of the temple's backside entrance.

Backside entrance leads to Shivaji Maharaj's Samadhi and also tomb of his dog called ‘Waghya’...loyal dog that jumped into his master's funeral pyre.

Apart from Shivaji's kingdom, mind-boggling Raigad Fort leaves one with memories of mother Hirkani's love for her infant, Waghya's loyalty for her master and Architect's desire to engrave his name under the footsteps of Maharaj. I don't think anyone can leave the place without chanting "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai"!!

Today marks Shivaji Maharaj's Jayanti and Pune is celebrating the auspicious day with great enthusiasm to pay tribute to the great Warrior.

More pictures of Raigad Fort are compiled into video clip...

I must say, trip to Raigad Fort is an unforgettable experience.